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A rocky jaunt between 14er summits.


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Map Key

1.4

Miles

2.2

KM

72%

Runnable

13,994' 4,265 m

High

13,577' 4,138 m

Low

388' 118 m

Up

417' 127 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers

The access road is closed far below the trailhead throughout winter.

The land manager requests dogs be leashed. You are likely to see dogs, and unlikely to see leashes.

Runner Notes

While this trail is high, it is well-maintained, covered with few rocks, and easy to stay on. Fast runners should be able to round-trip it in under an hour.

Description

From the summit of Redcloud Peak, drop down the south side of Redcloud. Follow an obvious low class 2 trail, right along the ridge, toward the 13,500 ft saddle with Sunshine Peak. From here, the trail stays just to the right of the ridge. Continue back up toward Sunshine, cresting a flat area at 13,700 ft before the grade starts back up. There aren't any false summits on this one - just gun it back to 14K!

Once on top, turn around and do it all backwards. While some runners will see that they just made a giant "U" track and be tempted to descend right into the drainage, this is a poor decision. The west side of Sunshine is steep and composed of loose scree. It will be safer, faster, and more fun just to retrace your tracks.

Flora & Fauna

Up this high, you are unlikely to see much other than rocks, marmots, and pika.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tyler Prince with improvements by Ashley Peterson

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#30735

Overall
  3.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#2,590

in Colorado

#30,735

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5 Views Last Month
614 Since Mar 18, 2015
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Photos

Just leaving Red Cloud on the trail towards Sunshine.
May 4, 2024 near Lake City, CO
Approaching the Sunshine summit.
Feb 13, 2024 near Lake City, CO
Looking north from the saddle between Red Cloud and Sunshine.
Feb 13, 2024 near Lake City, CO
Following the saddle
Feb 13, 2024 near Lake City, CO
The trail in between Redcloud and Sunshine in the San Juans!!
Aug 17, 2016 near Lake City, CO
Views from the summit of Sunshine Peak.
Mar 19, 2015 near Lake City, CO

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